Support Jasper's Fight Against Cancer

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Dear Family and Friends,

We are close family friends of Jasper Rodríguez, a brave four-year-old boy diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumor in July.

We are asking for your faith and prayers, and your much needed support, during this heartbreaking and trying time for the Rodríguez family.

Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated and brings us one step closer to ensuring Jasper’s quality of care. In addition to treatment costs, we want Stalin and Jen to have precious moments with Jasper and his brothers, Asher and Jonas, together as a family.

Funds will be used for:

- Treatment costs and medical bills

- Special adaptive equipment Jasper may need

- Food and accommodations during treatments

- Travel expenses for Jasper’s care

- Lost wages as Stalin uses FMLA for medical visits

Immediate support can make a difference in Jasper’s treatment and quality of life. Your donation is important and very appreciated.

Support from the community has already made a difference, but continued support is crucial.

Jasper’s Journey

Early one Sunday evening, I received a crushing text from my friend Jen: “In the hospital with Jasper, who has a brain tumor. We appreciate your prayers and faith for a miracle.”

Just days prior, she mentioned his instability while walking. I casually asked if he had seen an ENT or had a brain scan. Jen mentioned they had both neurology and ENT appointments scheduled.

We could never have anticipated the devastating news.

Jasper’s Diagnosis

Jasper’s journey began earlier this year, 2024, when his parents, Stalin and Jenifer, noticed he was struggling. In February, he started having headaches, nausea, and vomiting. A primary care visit revealed strep throat. By June, Jasper became unsteady on his feet, particularly outdoors. Another pediatrician’s visit showed he had strep throat again, which might explain his leg pain and walking difficulties.

When his symptoms didn’t improve and even worsened, Stalin and Jen followed up with his pediatrician, who urgently referred them to Children’s National Emergency Department for a neurology work up. That night, July 12th, a CT scan revealed a mass in Jasper’s brain stem and obstructive hydrocephalus. The following day, an MRI confirmed their worst fears.

On July 13th, Stalin and Jen received the diagnosis of DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a tumor that develops in the brain stem. Suddenly, everything made sense: Jasper’s uncoordinated walking, his headaches, vomiting, and even his slowness while eating.

Jasper’s Treatment

Two days later, Jasper underwent a brain stem biopsy and had a shunt placed to drain cerebrospinal fluid at Children’s National.

On July 19th, at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Jasper had another CT scan and a mask fitting to be used for his radiation treatments.

Jasper began radiation on July 25th, just twelve days after his diagnosis. At the time of writing, he has completed nine of thirty treatments, which involve spending weekdays at the radiation center. Their family is fortunate to be able to come home on the weekends and attend church as a family.

Over the next several weeks, Jasper will have radiation treatments, visits with occupational, physical, and speech therapists, and consultations with his neuro oncologist, radiation oncologist, neurologists, nutritionists, and others to determine his best treatment and care. Once radiation is complete, the family is hopeful Jasper will be admitted to a clinical trial.

Because of right-sided weakness, he has been set up with an activity chair that braces his torso so he can focus on other movements. His parents elected to have an NG tube placed to give Jasper nutrition. His ability to eat solid foods has fluctuated since his diagnosis, but he has continued to enjoy mealtimes and snacks.

How Jasper is Handling Treatment

Initially, Jasper found hospital stays challenging, begging to go home. He was weak, immobile, and visibly affected by the treatments. Now, he is doing much better!

Despite initial nerves and tears, Jasper has shown incredible bravery during radiation. His special Spidey mask, which keeps his head still, was made just for him. He is the youngest child treated without needing sedation and receives applause after each session, which makes him giggle with pride.

About Jasper

Jasper is the sweetest little boy, always happy and eager to help. Despite his difficulties, he remains resilient and tries to be independent. He can take a few steps unassisted and has many fits of giggles throughout the day, bringing joy to everyone around him.

Jasper loves airplanes, buses, the beach, Spidey, the color mint, reading, and playing with his older brothers. He enjoys donuts, mint chocolate ice cream, and Arepa Queen. He adores being with his Mama and being silly with his Papa, loves wearing socks, and enjoys music, especially the Freeze Dance Song, Leave Her Johnny, Ratón Vaquero and Wellerman. He also loves pretending to be superheroes with his brothers and learning new things.

Support

Stalin and Jen have encountered dozens of amazing doctors, nurses, and medical personnel who have provided unwavering support. The Rodríguez family also has a strong network of family and friends ready to help in any way possible. They feel well supported, and watched over by the Lord as they focus on one precious day at a time.

Despite the heartbreak, there have been small victories, such as Jasper’s improvement in mobility and his many smiles and laughs, which fortify the hope they hold onto each day.

What is Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)?

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, also known as DIPG, is an aggressive, malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that develops in a part of the brainstem called the pons. The pons is the portion of the brain that helps send messages to the spinal cord and the rest of the body, controlling important functions like heartbeat, breathing, sleeping, balance, and bladder control. As these tumors grow, they put pressure on other parts of the brain and can impact the function of nerves that control muscles and sensation in the face.

Around 300 children are diagnosed with DIPG each year, and it is most common in children ages 5-9. There is currently no cure for DIPG, but researchers are working hard to explore new ways to treat this disease.

Our Final Word

As friends and family, we keep a constant prayer in our hearts and will continue to fight for Jasper’s health and happiness. Your support means the world to us and to the Rodríguez family. Thank you for anything you can donate.

Stalin and Jenifer thank you for your prayers and continuous support during this emotional journey. They can feel your love toward each member of their family, especially Jasper. They have been reassured that they are in the right place and in the hands of the best doctors in the country for this type of cancer.